Phones Down, Just Drive

About Us

ABOUT US

Save A Life, Put The Phone Down

The purpose of this non-profit organization is to raise awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.  All it takes is one simple choice and lives can be affected forever.  On November 13, 2019, two beautiful people were JUST DRIVING.  A driver who was distracted, rear ended their vehicle that was stopped with it’s turn signal on waiting to make a left turn. These victims were pushed into oncoming traffic. Paul Garcia and Caitlin Festerling died at the scene of this horrific crash.  Please, put your phones down while driving. 

You don’t think it will happen to you, until it happens to you! In Arizona, as well as many other states, holding a cell phone while driving is against the law.


Who We Are

Our mission is to make the roads safer for everyone by changing behaviors, promoting legislation, and supporting those affected by the devastating consequences of distracted driving.

How We Can Help

We can help make a difference by donating to and supporting "Phones Down, Just Drive" as they work tirelessly to raise awareness, advocate for stricter laws, and provide assistance to those affected by texting and driving accidents, ultimately creating safer roads for all.

ABOUT US

Meet The Board

Meet the dedicated individuals who steer "Phones Down, Just Drive"

towards its mission of ending texting and driving, ensuring safer roads for all.

Julie

Festerling

President & Co-Founder

  • About Julie

    Serving in the non-profit world has been a life-long endeavor.  Being a former teacher has helped me to develop an understanding of methods to inspire and encourage others as we educate people of all ages. 

    Distracted driving has become an epidemic that is absolutely out of control, and we need to make a change!  Lives are depending on us. 

    My high school Home Economics teacher taught me to be tough, work hard and to make smart choices.  

    Serving as the president and co-founder of PDJD! provides me the perfect opportunity to implement these skills and to raise awareness on how quickly life can change for anyone.  My family knows firsthand how quickly a tragedy can occur, and how devastating it is to have a loved one suddenly taken from us.  My daughter, Caitlin, and her boyfriend, Paul, were innocent victims in a horrific car crash. 

    In my spare time you will find this foodie hiking, reading a motivational book or sneaking in a quick game of Ms. PAC-Man. 

Dan

Schaar

Treasurer

  • About Dan

    Since 2022, I have served as treasurer for PDJD.  Having been a good friend of Board president Julie Festerling for many years, and having seen the tragic loss of Paul and Caitlin, I feel compelled to communicate PDJD’s message to others. 

    I’ve worked in Fortune 500 finance organizations throughout the majority of my 27-year career.  My education and certifications include undergraduate and graduate business degrees, as well as designation as a Certified Management Accountant in 2015. 

Janine

Durm

Secretary

  • About Janine

    With a teenager getting close to driving, it’s scary to see what our roadways have become.  It is extremely important to keep my daughter safe and to teach her healthy driving habits.  

    Graphic design is my expertise in the work world.  With the support of my family and our community, we can all work together to design a better way of staying safe behind the wheel. 

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